Inside The Bills

Perhaps the most anticipated home opener in a long time and it’s Miami on top of it. It’s been a heck of a week for Bills fans with all the positive news. Let’s get to the latest edition of your questions on email at AskChris@bills.nfl.net and on Twitter @ChrisBrownBills.

1 – Chris,

My question to you:

Could you see the Bills putting Cordy Glenn at LG because it seems like they are deeper at tackle than they are at guard? I know they have experimented with him there a few times but it just seems like they don’t have an answer at LG at all even with the Williams signing. I would go from left to right: Henderson, Glenn, Wood, Urbik (or Richardson or Williams) and Pears. With an injury to a T you could then slide Glenn back to LT and put Henderson at RT. I think this gives you the best 5 up front.

Thanks!
Dave
twitter: DTaylor716

CB: I think the way things looked in Week 1 the front five that coach Marrone has put together looks pretty good and should only get more and more comfortable together as the weeks wear on. I think the key thing to remember here is to have your two most athletic linemen on the edges now that most NFL clubs have speed rushers on both sides, which the Bills will see this week with Miami’s Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon.

Buffalo’s two most athletic linemen by far are Cordy Glenn and Seantrel Henderson. So putting them at the two tackle positions is the best way to go as I see it.

2 – Hi Chris,

My question regards the slot position- both how we plan to defend it and attack other defenses with it.

I’ve read recently about the “big nickel” package- subbing out the nickel corner for a third safety to better match up against the monsters that are being put into the slot now-( see Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski).

Do you see Nickell Robey’s stature as a liability against these bigger slot receivers and is there a plan in place to get a better matchup if we need to? Would this involve Corey Graham coming on potentially or having Searcy Williams and Williams all out as safeties at once? As much as I love Robey- he’s incredible- I just forsee a long day for him trying to cover Gronk in the slot.

Conversely- do you think there is a plan in place to attack smaller nickel corners with our offense? I notice that neither Hogan nor Woods are exactly giants- I wonder if we will see Mike Williams or one of our bigger guys slide inside to slot to take advantage of some potential mismatches.

Thanks for everything you do for the Bills and us fans!

Tim
Ovid, NY

CB: I think what you saw last week was in Buffalo’s nickel at times they’ll make use of Duke Williams as a hybrid linebacker. Similar to the way Bryan Scott and Da’Norris Searcy have been used in years past, Williams has the physical game to help in the run game, if there’s a draw play or something on third down, but also possesses the cover skills and physicality to handle coverage assignments.

Aaron Williams has the size and physical style to match up with a bigger player in the slot too as does Nigel Bradham, who is back this week. So I think Robey can still serve in his role and should a size mismatch present itself Buffalo has enough options to deploy against a larger slot receiver/tight end.

3 – Hi Chris!!

First of all, thank you for your great work keeping us Bills fans always well informed. Quick question. Are the Bills planning to wear their white alternate jersey this season? If so, which game?

Thanks Chris & take care!
Luis Estrada
(Puerto Rico)

CB: The only other jersey being worn is the white throwback jersey this Sunday for the home opener along with the standing red Buffalo helmets.

4 – Chris,

Love the coverage year round. Helps for a non-local Bills fan. Can you explain the reasoning behind Pears playing RG? He only practiced a few times there and has zero game experience at guard. In the preseason game, he look lost there. Why don’t they keep him at tackle. You had Robert Woods as your camp MVP, so why has he slid down the pecking order at WR? I see him more as outside threat instead of slot. I would like to see him on the field every play.

Thanks
Josh P.CB: Pears did have some limited experience at guard from his days with the Raiders, though it was only a few games about five years ago. Still I think aside from his first snaps there against Tampa’s Gerald McCoy in the preseason he’s fared well. Pears is also great snap by snap counsel for rookie Seantrel Henderson. Henderson has told me having Pears there is invaluable for him.

Head coach Doug Marrone knows offensive line play, so if he believes this is his best five then I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and see how it plays out.

As for Robert Woods, he was my camp MVP because he brought it every day and outperformed the other receivers on a more consistent basis. Yes, Sammy Watkins turned in the highlight reel plays, but Woods is a guy who is going to get you first downs more consistently. In the NFL it’s about keeping the offense on the field with first downs. That’s where Woods helps you most.

And don’t worry Woods will be moved around a lot this season because he’s the most versatile receiver on the roster in my opinion.

CB: Usually on Mondays injured players come in early for treatments. At 9 in the morning there’s a designated weight lifting group. At 10 am there’s a stretch and run conditioning period. Then there’s a second weight lifting group later in the morning. That’s followed by a team meeting at noon. Then they have a special teams meeting followed by offense, defense meetings. That’s where they review game film from Sunday and make corrections.

On Tuesday most players get a jump on the upcoming opponent by studying film while the coaches spend the day putting together the game plan for Sunday. Generally though Tuesday is the players’ day off.

A great day for the Bills and Bills fans, with the new 10-year lease agreement. You can find all the information you need on the home page of Buffalobills.com. Here’s the latest edition of your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net and on Twitter @ChrisBrownBills. Let’s get to it.

1 – Chris,

Which Bills will be free agents at the end of the year. I know the Byrd and Andy will be. Has Buddy made any in-roads with either? Or maybe locking up Wood too. Can you break down the rest? Do you know who is a RFA and regular free agent? Would like to see lots of these guys stay? Especially Kyle Moore and Dickerson. Also what is Tarvaris Jackson’s contract?

Dickerson is a virtual lock to stay. All the Bills have to do is present him a qualifying tender to maintain their exclusive rights to him. The potential danger with Donald Jones and David Nelson is if they tender them low qualifying offers and another team chooses to sign them to an offer sheet the Bills would have just a week to match the offer otherwise they would receive zero compensation. That’s because both of them were undrafted rookies.

So provided the Bills want to keep both players in the fold for the future that they would explore contract agreements that go beyond just a one-year tender offer. That’s just a guess, but knowing there’s no compensation protection (getting a draft pick back from club that signs him) because they were undrafted it might be the best course of action.

2 – Hey Chris,
Any chance the Bills will every break out the 90s unis as their “throwbacks”? That was the “glory years” for me (I moved to Buffalo in 1986), and it seems like it’d be fun to see them out there in those Super Bowl uniforms again (the blue home jerseys, of course…)

Thanks,
Greg Campbell

CB: At this point I have not heard anything about a 90s throwback jersey. I think the Bills as an organization recognize that era as a popular one, so I’m sure it’s something the club may explore further down the line. If and when it comes to fruition is another story altogether.

3 – Hi Chris,
Chan Gailey has only attempted one 50+ field goal all year. Is this lack of faith in Lindell or is he just too conservative? Could this put Lindell’s future with the team In jeopardy?

Thanks for your time,
BillCB: Coach Gailey has stated more than once that he has not lost faith in Rian Lindell, who is 1-for-1 from 50-yards plus this season. In fact Lindell is currently having his most successful season from field goal percentage this season (20-21 – 95.2%), which we will cover in detail on Buffalobills.com Saturday morning.

Gailey has also said it’s always been his position that when it comes to 50-plus yard field goals and field position he traditionally will put more value on field position. In his first two years when his defense was playing poorly field position likely did not matter as much. In all three instances this season when he has chosen to bypass a chance for points (Ariz., Indy, Jax.) on a 50-plus yard attempt, his defense was playing very well in those games.

So I believe time and score and the way in which his defense is playing at the time influence him in that decision making as it should. If you choose to call it more conservative coaching that’s your prerogative.

4 – Hey Chris

I have recently heard you say that the Bills are 15-7 when Fitzpatrick throws the ball less the 30 times i just wanted to ask you if you believe that speaks more to Fitzpatrick ability to screw thing up the more times he has the ball in his hands or is it the confusing play calling by Gailey? A few times this season the play calling on offense has be laughable and just downright questionable and frustrating. Is this the right time for the Bills to part ways with Chan?

Thanks so much for all you do Chris,
Josh, Baldwinsville NY

CB: Bills GM Buddy Nix has publicly stated time and again that he does not want to start over, much as the Bills have done for the better part of the last 13 years with new coaching staffs ever 3 or 4 seasons. No one can deny that a new coaching staff would be a step back because of all that’s involved in starting with new coaches, schemes, etc.

With respect to the statistic you referenced it is accurate. Buffalo is 15-7 when Ryan Fitzpatrick throws less than 30 times in a game. Fifteen of those 22 games have been under Gailey and the record is 11-4.

There are other factors involved naturally, so what you make of those statistics is up to you, but Buffalo is 5-24 when Fitzpatrick throws 30 times or more in a game.

5 – Hi Chris,

First off thank you for the great coverage of our buffalo bills. Obviously this season has been a huge disappointment in which we find ourselves playing for draft picks. When I look at this roster I’m finding it hard to find a lot of holes but the product on the field clearly is showing something different. so i guess my first question would be, have I just bought in blindly because I’m a fan and want to believe that this team is better than it is or is this just an inexperienced group that has the talent I’ve been told is there. Also I have this overwhelming feeling that regardless of this poor season and a half for Fitz and this Bills team, Fitz is going to be the starter throughout the next season barring injury. It seems as long as Chan is here so to will Fitz. This makes me think we will not address our QB situation till the later rounds so I was wondering where do you think we go with our first few picks? Do we go after another corner or safety(good chance we lose Byrd) or linebacker in that case who’s out Shep or Bradham? Or do we go wideout or interior line. Where do your gut feelings lie? I guess is my main question. Again thank you for keeping the Bills nation updated on all things bills. GO BILLS

Thanks WillCB:Personally I think the Bills will try to land a quarterback somewhere in the first three rounds. I don’t see them waiting until the later rounds.

As for other areas they’re likely to address early I’d say linebacker and wide receiver. I wouldn’t worry about returning players getting bounced out of their current roles. That gets settled in training camp.

Hard to believe we’re into June already. We’ve got some uniform tidbits and some roster talk this week so let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net and keep them coming.

1 – Chris,

I would like to hear your opinion between Kellen Heard and Michael Jasper. Heard was added to the roster late last season. He is listed as 6’6″ 355lb. DT, signed off of the Raiders practice squad. Then there is the newly drafted Michael Jasper whom I believe is listed as 6’4″ 375. Also listed as a DT. I guess the question is shouldn’t we be just as excited about Heard as Jasper. I am thinking that Heard slipped into the team late last year and mostly unnoticed, but he is a very big man. Jasper was drafted during one of the more exciting times of the season, “the draft”. Your thoughts between these two men.

VanScottM

CB: Well I think it’s clear that both players have a hill to climb to crack this roster. The two of them are likely to be going head to head for what could be the last spot on the active roster at defensive line. Last year Buffalo’s coaching staff kept seven defensive linemen. Right now the top 6 are Carrington, Dareus, Edwards, Johnson, Troup and Williams leaving one spot available provided the rest of the roster falls in such a way to allow for a seventh defensive lineman.

Heard benefits from being here for about six weeks last season. He has familiarity with the system. Jasper is coming in cold and without having played defensive line the past two years. Both are intriguing, but they’ll have to really impress to crack what has quickly become a pretty solid defensive line depth chart.

2 – Chris, everyone keeps talking about how awesome Kyle Williams in articles and blogs and such. I never remember seeing him really stand out last year. I have trouble getting excited about the guy. Can you please do a video montage of some of the plays Kyle Williams made last year to show off what he did well? This I think would go a long ways to getting myself and many Bills fans excited about 2012.

Thanks,
Rob Conner

CB: Funny you should ask this question Rob. We have plans to do video pieces on Buffalobills.com of the Top 10 performances from 2010 and Kyle’s game against the Steelers in Week 12 last season is on that list when he had 10 tackles and a couple of sacks and dominated Steelers linemen Chris Kemoeatu and Maurkice Pouncey.

The best part is we have members of Buffalo’s coaching staff breaking down the plays with me in the film room to provide insight on each and every highlight from the players.

The 10-part series will begin on Buffalobills.com on Tuesday June 14th and aside from a brief interruption with our coverage of the uniform unveiling will run through mid-July. So keep an eye out for it. We’re real excited about it.

3 – Chris,

By now, we all know that the regular home and away jerseys are changing. And thanks to Madden, most of us know what they are changing too. But I saw the THROW BACK jerseys are all on sale for the same price as the discontinued jersey, I have to ask…… Is that going away too?

Steven J. Huber

CB: I’ve been told that he team will not be wearing an alternate third jersey in the 2011 season. Just a home and away jersey.

4 – Why did the Bills pick June 24th as the day to unveil the new jerseys?

Josie
Wheatfield

CB: There were two main factors in June 24th being selected and both of them involve timing issues. The first was late June was the absolute earliest that the new jerseys would be available from Reebok. That’s why the new jerseys were not used during the NFL draft when Marcell Dareus was up on stage at Radio City Music Hall. They weren’t available yet

Changing uniforms in the NFL is an 18-month process with a countless number of stages and steps. It’s not a quick turnaround by any means.

The second timing issue has to do with the Ralph Wilson Stadium turf. Shortly after June 24th the old turf is being pulled up for the new turf scheduled for installation for the 2011 season. Obviously an event on a torn up football field does not provide for the best of venues knowing there will be field access for fans that attend the uniform unveiling.

Hope that clears it up for you.

5 – Chris,

Thanks for all you do. What do you think taking Johnny White in the draft means for the RB situation? Is there possibility for trade with him here?

Also, assuming Fred Jackson starts, can he push for the 2nd RB, starting over C.J.?

Thank you,
Max, Lakeview N.Y.

CB: I think in this day and age of the NFL you need a stable of backs. Last year in the preseason we watched Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson go down in the first half of their first preseason game leaving only C.J. and at the time Chad Simpson.

Most NFL clubs carry three backs on their 53-man roster because it is such a punishing position along with a fullback.

So I’m anticipating White to be the third back behind Fred and C.J. and for him to spell them once in a while when they need a break or in the event of injury while also contributing on special teams where he’s a pretty darn good asset in the opinion of Bills special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven with whom I spoke recently. And thanks for the kind words.

Just a reminder to all fans that are attending this Sunday’s AFC East tilt with the Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Have your blue throwback jerseys ready for Sunday’s game. This Sunday is one of two home dates where the Bills will wear their blue throwbacks jerseys with their white helmets with the standing red buffalo. The date was chosen to honor Wall of Fame inductee Booker Edgerson, whose name will be unveiled on Sunday. He wore the real 1965 jerseys that the blue throwbacks represent.

The other home date when the blue throwbacks will be worn is in Week 12 (Nov. 28) when the Bills host the Steelers.

A lot of you have been wondering when the Bills will be donning their throwback jerseys this season. I’ve got the answers for you.

The team will be wearing their blue throwbacks twice this season. The white throwbacks that debuted last season unfortunately are not allowed to be worn. They are prohibited under NFL rules because they were an anniversary year jersey (50th anniversary of AFL).

So the blue throwbacks will be worn in Week 4 (Oct. 3) when the Bills host the Jets, in part to honor newest Wall of Famer Booker Edgerson, whose induction ceremony will take place that week.

The other date for the blue throwbacks is in Week 12 (Nov. 28) when the Bills host the Steelers.

I’m told that the throwbacks can only be worn for home games under league rules, though for some reason I remember the Bills wearing their blues on the road in Tampa in 2005. (Update – I’ve been informed that the reason the Bills were allowed to wear their blue throwbacks at Tampa in Week 2 that year was because Tampa declared that they would be wearing white at home, which only a handful of teams do (Miami, Dallas, sometimes Carolina).

For those that don’t remember after their win at home in the opener in 2005, the Bills superstitiously wanted to wear the throwbacks again in Week 2 at Tampa and because the Bucs wear white at home they were able to do so.

Anyhow you’ve been updated so have your throwbacks ready for those two home dates!

Just a reminder to have your throwbacks ready to roll for Sunday’s game at Tennessee tomorrow.

For the last time this season the Bills will be wearing their white throwback uniforms as their Week 10 matchup with the Titans is an AFL Legacy game. Buffalo also wore the white throwbacks in the Hall of Fame Game and the season opener at New England. This will be the third and last time they don the throwback whites, which are replicas of the team’s 1965 jerseys, the year of their second straight AFL championship.

Buffalo will wear their blue throwbacks on Nov 29 when the Bills host the Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium.